Sparkers Support: The Hidden Gem of Spark People

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Lord knows there are enough resources here. You could spend a week drinking in all the wisdom and still not even scratch the surface of a most amazing resource. But, then, there is the hidden resource - You.

If you open yourself up to it, the love, the support, the encouragement and the occasional finger wagging, mean as much as all the collected wisdom of this web site.

A week or so ago I asked for support and accountability. That is a difficult thing for me to do. I'm a people pleaser and a control freak. It was uncomfortable for me to admit I needed each of you. I'm the type of person who can do this on their own --- Yeah right.

It's hard being vulnerable. You open yourself up and people see you warts and all but the other day at the gym I saw a man with a medallion around his neck. There were four words on it - "No Mud, no Lotus." I asked him what it meant and he fired back by asking me what I thought it meant. I laughed and said "No pain, no gain." He grinned and replied "Exactly."

There is real and genuine pain in growth. No matter how much we sugar coat it dealing with our current reality can to use a technical term, Suck!

We've been conditioned to believe that we are supposed to begin and end each day with our arms around each other chanting "We Are The World." This is hard work, its slow work and its often frustrating work but then there is you - Jumping up and down, yelling, cheering and encouraging, sending Spark Goodies and making those extra five repetitions on the free weights worth it. The extra lap in the pool becomes easier and sprinting away from french fries get slightly easier because I know you have my back.

Yeah, its my journey and yeah they are my choices. They become so much easier to make because of the hidden jewel Spark People holds - You

It's amazing how much a note from someone we haven't met in person can influence our day. I'm so glad to be a member of a community that has always been supportive of my goals and goes through the same struggles that I've gone through. Awesome job!

WOW! WHAT A BLOG! I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU FOR OPENING UP LIKE THAT.I TOO HAVE HAD A LOT OF THINGS TO OVERCOME. For ONE I Have OCD, And I'm Very Shy At Times. But I've Come Out A Lot Since I Started Volunteering At A Senior Home, And Health And Aging Center, Called RIVER GARDEN! I REALLY LOVE WORKING WITH AND HELPING THE ELDERLY, BECAUSE THEY DON'T JUDGE YOU. THEY'VE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT!I JOINED SPARKPEOPLE ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. I DON'T REALLY NEED TO LOSE ANYMORE WEIGHT, JUST TRYING TO MAINTAIN IT. IT ISN'T EASY, AS YOU ALREADY KNOW!THE MAIN THING I LIKE DOING ON SPARKPEOPLE IS ENCOURAGING OTHERS, AND MAKING THEM FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES!SO JUST KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WORK YOU ARE DOING, AND I KNOW YOU'LL REACH ALL YOUR WEIGHTLOSE GOALS!

Thank you for sharing your information that mimics my information. Sometimes I feel vulnerable when sharing information, but I have come to realize that it ok. We all are sharing and realizing that the information is safe. Besides sharing the information helps us overcome problems or concerns in a healthy manner.

A people pleaser AND a control freak. Are you sure you aren't my unknown brother? I too have the same characteristics and drive myself and those I care about bonkers from time to time, but essentially I drive myself crazy.

This journey we're on, shedding pounds and habits that defeat us, is particularly hard for those of us with this double whammy. How can I please everyone and yet demand perfection both in myself and in them?

I''m chuckling as I write this because of the deeper truth. My mom years ago used to say I was my own worst enemy. Now, through this delightful website, I'm learning to become my own best friend.

Good Luck John. You are not alone, none of us are alone. Not any more.

JOHNTJ1 !! TAKE THIS FROM A 73 YR. OLD LADY. REALLY. MY SAYING IS "IF YOU WANT SOMEHING BAD ENOUGH .YOU MUST DO IT. THIS IS YOUR LIFE, YOUR BODY, THE LORD'S TREASURE. HE GAVE IT TO US NOW WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF IT. I WANT TO LIVE A GOOD & HEALTHY LIFE" AND I THINK YOU DO, TOO. WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH THIS . GOD LOVES YOU & WE DO, TOO. GOD BLESS YOU & IT. HAVE A BLESSED LIFE. YOU'RE WELCOME TO POST ME ANYTIME.